Minnesota is at the center of a massive federal fraud investigation involving over $250 million in misappropriated funds from a children’s nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the FBI, the scam is one of the largest of its kind in the state’s history, and it has led to 70 people being indicted so far.
The scheme, known as the “Feeding Our Future” fraud, targeted the Federal Child Nutrition Program, which was expanded during the pandemic to reimburse states for feeding children.
🚨🇺🇸 FBI BUSTS $250M COVID SCAM: STOLE FROM HUNGRY KIDS TO BUY MANSIONS
70 indicted in Minnesota for fake “Feeding our Future” scheme.
Claimed to serve millions of meals during pandemic, bought luxury cars instead.
Kash Patel (FBI Director):
“Stealing over $250 million from… https://t.co/DhjKrOmvC9 pic.twitter.com/kAlt2sJZIQ
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 19, 2025
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During the COVID-19 emergency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture waived several requirements for program participation, especially for non-school-based food distribution centers.
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Those waivers were allegedly exploited by individuals and organizations that set up hundreds of fictitious food distribution sites across Minnesota.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the fraud “one of the worst” to hit the state.
“Stealing over $250 million from hungry kids during a pandemic to fund mansions and luxury cars is as shameless as it gets,” Patel said in a statement to Fox News.
“I’m proud of the FBI and our partners for dismantling this web of corruption, holding dozens accountable, and sending a clear message: if you exploit the most vulnerable, we will find you and bring you to justice.”
Stealing $250M from hungry kids to buy mansions and luxury cars is as shameless as it gets.
Proud of our @FBI and @FBIMinneapolis for exposing one of the worst frauds in Minnesota history — and holding dozens accountable.
Exploit the vulnerable, and we will bring you to… pic.twitter.com/iNDdSwcH9S
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) July 18, 2025
According to FBI officials, 38 of the 70 individuals indicted have pleaded guilty.
More than a dozen others are awaiting criminal trial, with the next trial scheduled to begin on August 11.
The remaining defendants are still facing prosecution as the investigation continues.
Federal prosecutors say that those involved in the scheme fabricated documents, including invoices and attendance records, to falsely claim they were distributing meals to children.
Charging documents allege that nearly 300 so-called “food sites” around the state were essentially fronts that provided little or no food at all.
Entities labeled as “vendors” and nonprofit organizations were reportedly created or co-opted to launder the funds that were supposed to be used to purchase and distribute meals.
The scale and coordination of the fraud have triggered widespread concern and prompted legislative efforts in Minnesota to tighten oversight on federally reimbursed programs.
BOMBSHELL: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz allowed Somali fraudsters to steal a jaw-dropping $250 million of YOUR taxpayer money.
This has been described as “single biggest COVID scam in American history.”
The money was supposed to feed hungry kids. Instead, the cash mysteriously… pic.twitter.com/Zo3SVAEIB5
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) August 10, 2024
FBI officials told Fox News that the impact of the investigation continues to ripple through state agencies and policymaking processes.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin Winston issued a statement to Fox News Digital, underscoring the severity of the breach of trust.
“Stealing from the federal government equates to stealing from the American people — there is no simpler truth,” Winston said.
“The egregious fraud unveiled in the Feeding Our Future case epitomizes a profound betrayal of public trust,” he added.
“These individuals misappropriated hundreds of millions in federal funds intended to nourish vulnerable children during a time of crisis, redirecting those resources into luxury homes, high-end vehicles, and extravagant lifestyles while families faced hardship.”
Winston also confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and more charges are expected, though details were not immediately released.
“We will uncover their schemes, dismantle their networks, and ensure that they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Winston said.
The Feeding Our Future scandal remains one of the most significant pandemic-era fraud cases involving federal nutrition aid.
As more trials approach, the FBI says it will continue working with state and federal partners to pursue justice and recover misused taxpayer funds.
The Minnesotans charged with committing over $250 million in theft of money that was meant to feed kids:
Aimee Marie Bock
Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh
Salim Ahmed Said
Abdulkadir Nur Salah
Ahmed Sharif Omar-Hashim
Abdi Nur Salah
Abdihakim Ali Ahmed
Ahmed Mohamed Artan
Abdikadir… https://t.co/gknLqWHIfo— Liberty4All (@LibertyUSA37) July 18, 2025
